Share this story

Related Content

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Jason Guthrie recalled the moment just prior to being hit by a wrong-way driver on Coffee Road.

"We saw headlights, and then it was pretty much all over at that point," said the 19-year-old Guthrie.

He was one of three passengers in a 2007 Toyota Corolla along with the 18-year-old driver, Breana Webb.

Somehow, Guthrie managed to escape serious injuries. But, his close friend Webb was not as fortunate. She was killed.

Guthrie credited Webb with taking swift action moments before impact.

"She saved our lives. She made a little bit of a swerve, and if she didn't do that, there would probably of been a lot more hurt people," said Guthrie.

Police said Webb was driving north on Coffee Road just north of Stockdale when she were struck by the driver of a 2008 Scion XB. That driver, 33-year-old Martin Juarez, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and was traveling on the wrong side of the street, going south in the northbound lanes of Coffee Road.

Monday evening, dozens of friends gathered at The Park at Riverwalk for a candlelight vigil in memory of Webb.

"She was like the funniest person I have ever met in my life," said childhood friend Cassie Hines.

People hugged, held hands, shed tears and recalled the many good times shared with Webb.

"I honestly don't know why things like this happen, but it does," said Hines. "But, I know that she's with God now in a better place."

For Guthrie, this was a life-changing experience in more ways than one.

"Hopefully, this changes a lot people minds about drinking and driving, hopefully it turns my life around," said Guthrie.